BACALAR, Q. Roo. — Representatives of tourism companies and environmental groups from the municipality of Bacalar were surprised by the announcement of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) regarding the construction of 1,200 stilt houses on the emblematic Lagoon.

Environmental specialists consider this project to be risky for the preservation of the Seven-colored lagoon. (Photo: SIPSE)

David Martínez Sánchez, president of the Bacalar Hotels and Restaurants Association, considers these types of investments risky, especially when the environmental impact on the lagoon is serious and direct.

The previous statement is due to multiple studies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and foreign universities such as Milwaukee and the South Border College that have warned about the serious pollution that the lagoon has suffered by the tourist and agriculture activities that are practiced in the area.

Martinez noted that he was taken by surprise by all the preservation work that has been carried out, where even representatives of the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (APIQROO) have participated

“The lagoon is offered to foreign and domestic investors, and it represents an opportunity to make money, but they don’t realize the serious environmental damage that a project of this magnitude means to the ecosystem,” he said.

“It’s a risky project, especially when the opinion of the inhabitants, who are legitimate possessors of this land, hasn’t been considered. The lagoon is offered to people who have no intentions of preserving it, and that’s what we are worried about.” he insisted.

The businessman also expressed concern about corruption complaints, and he doubts that the things will be done correctly in order to protect the lagoon and its ecosystem.